DiscoverEU FAQs

DiscoverEU is an initiative of the European Union based on a proposal from the European Parliament. The aim of the initiative is to offer around young European citizens a free travel experience in Europe, enabling them to take advantage of the freedom of movement in the European Union and discover Europe’s richness and diversity.

As a general principle, young people will travel by rail under the DiscoverEU initiative. Using an Interrail Pass will be one such way in which eligible applicants can explore Europe using the rail and ferry networks of up to 31 participating countries.

Please visit the European Youth Portal for more information on how you can apply for the DiscoverEU initiative. 

Reservations, if needed, will not be covered by DiscoverEU Interrail Passes. Because reservations are requested by the railway companies, and not Interrail, travellers need to make reservations separately.

You can reserve your seats via Interrail.eu by following the instructions sent in your order confirmation email.

Trains requiring compulsory reservations usually offer a higher level of speed, service and amenities compared to standard trains. You can also choose to reserve seats for trains where bookings are not compulsory. It's the best way to guarantee your seat - especially if you're travelling in a group or along popular routes. We recommend to make seat reservations in advance.

DiscoverEU travelers have to be 18 years old and citizen of one of the 28 member states of the European Union. Please visit the European Youth Portal to find out more about the rules of the DiscoverEU contest.

The application period for travel in 2020 will be open from Thursday 7 November 12:00 (CET) to Thrusday 29 November 12:00 (CET)

Keep an eye on the European Youth Portal for extra information and new announcements.

Registration is now open!

Registration open: 7 November 2019 (12:00 CET)

Registration close: 28 November 2019 (12:00 CET)

Notification of award decision: mid-january 2020

First departure date: 1 April 2020

Last return date: 31 October 2020

Please visit the European Youth Portal to find out more or go to https://www.start-discover.eu/

Please enquire about DiscoverEU via the European Youth Portal for details and contact information.